Shelter Mediation

Cleveland Mediation Center offers mediation and conflict coaching services to Cleveland area shelters. CMC staff can mediate conflict and assist with difficult conversations between shelter residents, or between residents and staff.

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Mediators work to help repair communication between the parties involved to prevent involuntary shelter discharges and to help shelter residents build a housing plan.

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Contact: Steven Molnar, Mediation Advocate Supervisor

steven.molnar@clevelandmediation.org 

Shelter Diversion Program

Diversion Advocates meet with individuals/families as they enter the homeless shelter system (Coordinated Intake) to help parties determine if there are safe and appropriate alternatives to shelter. CMC staff empower individuals to explore options and engage in conflict resolution with friends and family when appropriate, and in some cases may offer financial assistance to prevent homelessness or shelter stays.

 

Cleveland Mediation Center also offers Shelter Diversion training to communities, organizations, or CoC’s interested in using Diversion as a tool to prevent homelessness. In the past 15 years, our trainers have conducted these workshops in cities nationwide, including communities in Washington, Oregon, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Texas, and California.

 

Contact: Steven Molnar, Mediation Advocate Supervisor

steven.molnar@clevelandmediation.org 

 

If you need shelter tonight, contact Coordinated Intake.

LGBTQ+ Shelter Diversion

The LGBTQ+ community is over-represented among those who experience homelessness. CMC offers a specialized diversion and prevention for LGBTQ+ individuals who are facing housing insecurity.

 

The LGBTQ+ Diversion Specialist helps individuals identify safe alternatives to shelter and may use conflict resolution skills to mediate with landlords, friends, family, and/or roommates. They will work with the client to address safety concerns, connect the client to resources, and advocate on the client's behalf. CMC can also support LGBTQ+ community members who have concerns about discrimination in the shelter(s).
 

CMC staff are LGBTQ+ affirming and informed. 

 

Contact: Jess Watson, LGBTQ+ Diversion Advocate

jess.watson@clevelandmediation.org

A Home for Every Neighbor

CMC is proud to partner with the City of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services on the 'A Home for Every Neighbor' initiative. This collaborative initiative aims to reduce unsheltered homelessness in Cleveland through a coordinated, housing-focused strategy that engages with compassion, builds supportive communities, incentivizes participation by property owners and service providers, and fosters collaboration, ensuring impactful and lasting housing solutions for our unsheltered residents.

 

Contact: Danielle Cosgrove, Executive Director

danielle.cosgrove@clevelandmediation.org